Search-and-rescue operations continued off India’s eastern coast after the Panama-flagged bulk carrier MV Ocean Winner sank in the Bay of Bengal, leaving 22 of its 24 crew members missing. Two Chinese nationals were rescued after being found aboard life rafts, according to Indian authorities.

The vessel reportedly sank on Saturday, August 22, about 240 nautical miles from Paradip, Odisha. The ship had departed Paradip carrying iron ore, with China reported as its destination. The cause of the sinking has not yet been determined.

The Indian Coast Guard and Navy launched a coordinated search operation, deploying vessels and surveillance aircraft to locate the missing crew. An International Safety Net alert was also issued, calling on merchant vessels operating in the area to assist in the rescue effort.

The crew reportedly included 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar nationals and one Bangladeshi national. Rescue teams continued searching the area as authorities worked to locate the remaining 22 seafarers.